Chapter 647: Impending Downfall
Something crossed Cecilia’s mind, causing a wave of embarrassment. Her face flushed crimson. As soon as Nathaniel noticed her loosening grip, he quickly withdrew his hand.
“Don’t sleep on the couch in the future,” he said, carefully modulating his tone, “It won’t kill you to walk a few extra steps.” They were still fighting; Cecilia hadn’t apologized.
Cecilia, aware of his concern, nodded. “Sorry for disturbing you. You should rest too.” She settled back into her bed.
Nathaniel didn't immediately rest. He first asked Mason to investigate Cecilia's activities that day and the reason for her strange behavior. Then, he washed up.
Mason, interrupted during a romantic interlude with his girlfriend, found the disruption highly inconvenient. He silently resolved to seek a raise. He didn't conduct the investigation personally; instead, he had his subordinates review the security footage. They discovered Cecilia had visited Paula, and further investigation revealed the details of their heated argument, culminating in Paula's hospitalization and a subsequent meeting between Paula and her lawyer.
After freshening up and settling into bed, Nathaniel received Mason's report: “Mr. Rainsworth, Mrs. Rainsworth visited Paula today. They argued intensely, and Mrs. Rainsworth apparently angered Paula enough to cause her hospitalization. Afterward, Mrs. Rainsworth spoke with Paula's lawyer—I'm unsure of the topic, but it likely concerned Paula,” Mason yawned.
Before Nathaniel could respond, he heard a woman’s voice: “Mason, why is your boss so…odd? It’s midnight, and he’s still making you work. Is he love-starved? Shouldn’t he be…you know…with his wife?” A male voice quickly hushed her. Nathaniel hung up, muttering, “I can’t believe I was a victim of my assistant’s public display of affection.”
That night, Nathaniel lay sleepless, longing to hold Cecilia. Yet, the memory of her tearful sleep softened his resolve.
Chapter 547: Impending Downfall
Had he known, Nathaniel wouldn't have allowed Elliot to attend preschool. Now, he faced the realities of independent living. Unable to sleep, he resumed his work. The deadline for Adrian's group purchase loomed—only two days away. Adrian was distraught.
“Why is Imminence Corporation opposing me?” he exclaimed. “They did the same when I ran an intermediary platform, forcing me out. Now, with group purchases, it’s happening again. How are they so wealthy? Billions just vanished. How do I explain this to my grandfather?”
Miranda was equally anxious. “Didn’t you assure me this was a sure thing? My parents invested five hundred million! What do we do now?”
“Miranda, your parents aren't desperate for money, are they? Could you ask them for more support? We’re in a price war. With enough funds, Imminence Corporation will withdraw.”
Miranda frowned. “My parents’ business is struggling. Someone’s encroaching on their market, causing losses. They’ve even asked when you’ll repay their loan.”
Adrian sighed, then brightened. “Aren’t you in the parents’ association? They’re always eager to collaborate. Invite them to become investment partners.”
Miranda found the suggestion plausible. Priscilla had recently complained about Cecilia’s attempts to usurp her presidency. She’d confronted the other mothers, but needed an incentive. Their priorities were their children and husbands.
“Okay, these mothers aren't short of money; they just want more. I’ll encourage them to invest.” She immediately began calling the mothers. Upon learning of potential profits through collaboration with the Rainsworth family, they readily invested, unaware of the impending downfall.